Football

Football Team Hosts Endicott Saturday

Oct. 21, 2010

NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA-The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's football team will try to extend their winning streak when they host Endicott this afternoon at Cressy Field. Kickoff at Cressy Field for the New England Football Conference Boyd Division game is set for 12 noon.

The Corsairs are 3-4 and 2-2 in the Boyd Division after winning at Nichols Saturday. The Gulls are 5-2 and 3-1 in division play after having a three-game winning streak snapped at Plymouth State last Saturday.

UMass Dartmouth will be looking for their second win of the season at Cressy Field. "I hope that playing at home gives us an edge," said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Mark Robichaud. "We'd like to make Cressy Field a place where we consistently win. We're excited to play a quality opponent at home, and have another opportunity to show what we can do."

Endicott has scored at least 30 points in each of their victories, being held to three points twice in games that they lost. "Endicott is driving our defensive staff crazy with the number of plays and formations that they use," said Robichaud. "They are near the top of the conference in total offense and total defense, their quarterback, Phil Konopka, is having a great season, and their best running back is Mike Lane, who has given us trouble in the past. Their defense is also very good, so I expect them to come in here and be ready to go."

The Corsairs have played well defensively. "Except for parts of games against Maine Maritime and Plymouth State, our defense has played very well," said Robichaud. "We're leading the conference in red zone scoring, but we need to be able to score points more consistently. The last two weeks we've won the time of possession and first down battle, and we need to translate that into points."

In order to be successful, UMass Dartmouth will have to play well for the entire game. "Endicott is a team that doesn't give up," said Robichaud. "They were down 20 points against Salve and had a late comeback and won. We have to play the full 60 minutes against Endicott. We can't give up big plays on defense, and we have to get some big plays ourselves on offense. We haven't been doing that for the past six weeks."

The Corsairs will conclude their home schedule when they host Curry next Saturday. It will be Senior Day.